Picture Lent 2/14/18 Fast, Isaiah 58:6-8

Most of the time we think of fasting from food. But I love what our scripture says: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” Wow! What if our Lenten fast consisted of a fast from our words that harm and marginalize others? (Thanks for posing for me Ruben!) #picturelent #fast

I have lost over 40 lbs in the last 3 and a half months. So in a way, I feel like I have been fasting. But actually, I’m just learning to be happy with less. I want to continue that theme during Lent, not just with food, but in all aspects of my life. Be happy with less. Less of me, more of Jesus!

I have “given up” things like chocolate or other foods not so good for me in the past during Lent but over the past few years I’ve give up what I struggle with the most…..fears, doubts, and worries!!! Unfortunately they still dog me often. I’ve wasted so very much of my time with this struggle over things that NEVER happen!! So my fast for this Lent and I pray forever more is trusting God more and more with my fears, doubts and worries. Lord, hear my prayer and bring your healing of this heavy struggle! AMEN!

I struggled with this one, then after Barbara’s sermon Sunday, I changed my view point. Instead of focusing on what I was “giving up” and trying to find a picture to represent that; I thought about what I was gaining or adding to my life. Just as the Picture Advent was a struggle for me and I enter into the Picture Lent opportunity still feeling like I’m out of my comfort zone, I know that it will help me find new avenues in my walk. So…..my picture is a picture of the Picture Lent Fast posting.

And yet, for me, this picture makes sense. The truck speeds towards its primary goal, the finish line, leaving everything else behind. Blurred out. In the dust. And while I may not be as fast as this truck, I also want to focus what is important in my life, such as my relationship with God, and leave the inconsequential things in my rearview mirror.